FAQs
What is the legal training requirements for lift trucks?
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) place certain requirements on employers. You MUST make sure that all people who use, supervise or manage the use of work equipment have received ‘adequate training’, which includes:
- The correct use of the equipment;
- Any risks from its use;
- The precautions to take
When is re-training required?
- At least once every 3-5 years. Or sooner if an accident has occurred, or non-use for a long period of time. Our certificates of training are valid for 5 years.
- An operator needs to use a different truck type e.g. has been trained on a counterbalance forklift, but know needs to use a reach truck or PPT etc.
What steps do I need to take in order to be compliant when using a lift truck in the workplace?
- All operators and supervisors of each truck type must have ‘adequate training’.
- Pre-Use checks must be carried out at least once a week (ideally daily). You can download our guide here: pre-use checks (pdf)
- Each lift truck is required by law to have a 'Thorough Examination' under LOLER & PUWER. This must be done every 12 months. If a forklift is used to lift a person using an appropriate safety cage, then this inspection must be done every 6 months. Visit The Fork Lift Truck Association for more information.
